USAF F-99C, Vietnam CAS, 1966-COMPLETED

[AeroplaneDriver]

Spent some time today working on the loadout.  Here she is in 60-70s publicity photo mode with the options. 

I like the idea of fuel tanks being different.  One camouflaged, the other still in former NMF.  The two options I'm looking at are:

1.  CAS-2 x fuel tanks, 2x BLU27 Napalm, 2 x AIM-9B on inboard pylons, 2xCBU75 on one outer pylon, one on centerline, 1x LAU3A on other outer pylon. 

2.  SEAD-2 x fuel tanks, 2 x AIM-B, 2x AGM-45, 2x CBU75 on outer pylons

thoughts...?

[zenrat]

To me, nothing says 'nam like napalm.

[NARSES2]

I'd go along with option 1.

I like the idea of fuel tanks being different.  One camouflaged, the other still in former NMF. 

I agree with you. Doesn't always work but when the carrier is in camouflage then 

[nighthunter]

As far as I remember they put the AIM-9 outboard, also, why not have it be a MiG killer, use AIM-9's and AIM-7's?

[AeroplaneDriver]

As far as I remember they put the AIM-9 outboard, also, why not have it be a MiG killer, use AIM-9's and AIM-7's?

No radar suitable for AIM-7 guidance...I did two 1/72 Hunters with radar noses, both as RAF machines...one in a UK in Vietnam alternate history with Firestreaks and Sparrows and a 90s RAF upgrade with AMMRAAMs and Sidewinders. 

[Captain Canada]

That looks awesome ! Napalm works for me, but to do big missiles.

[Weaver]

Not sure what weapons you can get in 1/48th, but if I was doing this, my loadout for CAS would be:

Inboard main wing pylons: 2 x small 'combat' tanks as opposed to the long ferry tanks
Outboard main wing pylons: 2 x BLU27 napalm tanks
Inboard extra plyons (ahead of the main gears): 2 x AIM-9B or 2 x 7-tube FFAR pods
Outboard extra pylons (in between main wing pylons): 2 x 7-tube FFAR pods
Centreline, on TER attached directly to fuselage: 2 x CBUs if there's ground-clearance, otherwise 2 x Mk.81 (250lb) bombs with daisy cutter fuses

I think that's realistic, given the total weight of the weapon and the limitations of the pylons.


Loadout for SEAD would depend on how much clearance there is for Shrikes on the outboard extra pylons. If there isn't clearance, then it might have to be:

Inboard main wing pylons: 2 x small 'combat' tanks
Outboard main wing pylons: 2 x Shrike
Inboard extra plyons (ahead of the main gears): 2 x AIM-9B
Outboard extra pylons (in between main wing pylons): nothing
Centreline, on TER attached directly to fuselage: 2 x CBUs if there's ground-clearance, otherwise 2 x Mk.81 (250lb) bombs with daisy cutter fuses


I like the idea of mismatched tanks. Some other variations you might consider:

NMF with one coat of green paint over the top surface of only the nose and tail sections, i.e. where it protrudes out from under the wing. Painted in a hell of a hurry.

As above, but with the green wrapped around the tank, 'cos the ground crew oik didn't understand the instructions.

NMF underside with proper cammo on the whole of the top side, possibly missing one or more colours.

Proper paint, but from a totally different paint scheme, such as ADC Grey, or RAF grey/green or sand/stone (i.e. they blagged some extra tanks off the RAF)

[jalles]

Yeah, that really looks great!  The camo job is impeccable and I would have never thought it would look so good on a Hunter.

[The Rat]

Trying to figure out if that looks beautiful, gorgeous, or #$*&ing EPIC! 

[Gondor]

Always thought the SEA scheme looked good especially when I saw the Singaporean aircraft.



Gondor

[MiB]

You are inspired me to create the new repaint for FSX, Thank you! 

[MiB]

Another view:



I'm study how to place correctly the yellow band

[AeroplaneDriver]

Love the profile!! 

[AeroplaneDriver]

Starting to add on the fiddly bits.  The CBUs are ending up on a TER mounted directly on the belly as suggested by Weaver.  I quite like it.  It may be mounted a little too far aft, so it may move forward a little.  Ground clearance worked out fine, with almost 1/2 inch clearance when it's sitting on its gear.  Sticking with the big tanks on the inboards, and leaning towards napalm on the outboards and AIM-9Bs on new pylons between the two.  Other options are rocket pods on the outers, napalm on the new pylons, and Sidewinders on new inner pylons in front of the gear wells.  The new bit just aft of the nose gear bay is the enhanced RHAWS kit for Shrike SEAD missions.

[AeroplaneDriver]

Getting there!  On her legs and the tanks on.  Enough for tonight.  Tomorrow or Saturday should see the rest finished.